A local business and a host of community members gave of their time and money recently, as an effort to support the local food pantry, The Storehouse, yielded support from Dell Rapids.

With seven churches represented, the Dell Rapids Area Ministerial Association (DRAMA) hosted the fundraiser, which pastors hope to make an annual event, at the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch Nov. 5, from 5-8 p.m., with area pastors busing and clearing tables in support.

“We want to be visible in the community and truly be servants as well,” First Baptist pastor Melissa Fletcher said of the experience, which she saw as a collaboration of ideas between the local restaurant and DRAMA in support of The Storehouse.

Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids pastor Michael Mortvedt said the support evident at the fundraiser was telling of the community’s desire to help out.

“The enthusiasm and generosity of the community tells me that people want to make a difference and support people in need in the area,” he said. “The opportunity to join others in the community in a fun meal that raises funds for a good cause is appealing.”

The Storehouse, previously housed in the Senior Citizens Center on Fourth Street, is now located in the basement of the United Methodist Church. Interested donors can contact area pastors about dropping off food. A donation drop-off is also available at the County Fair grocery store.

The drive will continue every Monday in November, as the Pizza Ranch will offer a $5 buffet to those that bring in non-perishable food items, with proceeds benefiting the food pantry, as well as DRAMA’s backpack program, which provides families and children in need with backpacks full of supplies, distributed through the local schools.

As for the early November outing, Fletcher said the event was well-attended.

“It was packed. A lot of community members were represented. And we had fun – we just had a blast,” she said, adding that doing something to give back, particularly during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when The Storehouse is used most heavily, is a meaningful experience.

She said that looking out for those in need is part of the mandate passed down from Jesus.

“To take it a step further and be able to provide food for those in need is following Christ’s example,” Fletcher said.

“To follow Jesus is to be involved in service and care for the most vulnerable,” Mortvedt said. “It is not a matter of good fit; it is a matter of identity and being who we as Christians are called to be.”

Those interested in supporting the local food pantry can also give monetarily, according to Fletcher, who said those in need of assistance can contact area pastors with requests and recommendations for the upcoming holiday food baskets.

Mortvedt added that volunteers staff the pantry every Wednesday evening, so there are ample opportunities to become involved with the work of The Storehouse.